The CEO of Volkswagen Ghana, Jeffrey Oppong Peprah, has stressed the importance of supporting locally assembled vehicles to ensure the sustainability and growth of Ghana’s automotive industry. He praised the government’s recent introduction of a 35% import tax on vehicles competing with locally assembled ones, calling it a vital policy for promoting local production and protecting the industry.
“If we want to build an industry, we must ensure it is sustainable by creating demand. At the moment, if we cannot compete with imported vehicles, the investments we are making won’t yield results—we won’t create jobs or foster growth locally,” Oppong Peprah explained.
The remarks were made during the media launch of Volkswagen Ghana’s latest product, the Amarok, held at the company’s new office on Patrice Lumumba Street.
The Amarok, a robust 10-speed vehicle, is engineered to handle tough terrains and is suitable for both personal and commercial use. Highlighting its versatility, Oppong Peprah stated, “This vehicle can even wade through water. For mining operations, whether going into pits or underground, this vehicle is perfectly equipped. Its robustness is one of its standout features.”
He also underscored the need to involve Ghana’s informal sector in the automotive industry by providing the necessary education and training. “We need to bring them on board and equip them with the skills to repair these vehicles. Without that knowledge, the industry’s sustainability is compromised,” he noted.
Addressing vehicle financing challenges, Oppong Peprah revealed that Volkswagen Ghana is collaborating with the government and stakeholders to establish incentivized loan schemes for buyers of locally assembled vehicles. “We’re working on introducing specialized loan rates for those purchasing local assembly products. This will encourage more people to access these loans,” he said.
The launch of the Amarok signifies a significant step forward for Volkswagen Ghana, and the company remains optimistic about the vehicle’s impact on the local market.
